A NEW face joins the team at the Gazette and Herald, as we say goodbye to longstanding reporter and former deputy editor Joanne Moore, who has decided to retire.

Joanne has worked for the Gazette and its sister title the Wiltshire Times in several different roles and said: “I returned to the Gazette in 2014 to go back to where I started in journalism, covering a patch where I felt part of the community. Despite local papers undergoing a huge change over the past six years I have always felt privileged to cover the town of Devizes, which I have called home since 1986.

“I would like to thank the many people who have helped me over the years and the wonderful, vibrant and enthusiastic community which has provided me with plenty to write about.

“There is so much that I will miss but now is the right time for me to retire, finally having reached pensionable age, and enjoy Devizes from the other side of the notebook.”

Editor Pete Gavan said: “It’s always sad to say farewell to a long-serving member of staff, especially one who has put as much into making the Gazette the wonderful news source it is as Joanne has.”

“We’re really sorry to see her go and wish her a long and happy retirement.”

Replacing Joanne on the Devizes ‘patch’ is Kirsten Robertson, 24, who joins the paper having trained on the Aberdeen Press and Journal. She has moved to live near Devizes from her home city of Edinburgh, and is loving getting to know Wiltshire and its people.

Kirsten will also be covering news in Corsham, Malmesbury and the surrounding area. If you have a news story for her, call 01225 773650 or email kirsten.robertson@newsquest.co.uk